Breaking the Silence: Practical Suggestions and Resources for Educators of Independent Schools

The following is an introduction and table of contents from Breaking the Silence. To view the entire document, download the PDF file here.

Introduction

This guidebook has been written to provide independent school educators and administrators with practical suggestions and resources for implementing and institutionalizing changes in order to make their schools safer and more supportive for their lesbian and gay students, teachers and parents. Schools using this manual are encouraged to copy any and all sections and to distribute them within the school community. The manual will be updated annually, and educators using it are encouraged to contact the author with feedback and suggestions for future revisions. Teachers are especially encouraged to share resources and ideas they have found helpful that are not included in this manual.

Table of Contents

Rationale: Why We Need To Address Gay Issues In Our Schools

Strategies: What Schools Can Do

Where To Begin: Evaluating The Acceptance Level In Our School

Checklist For Assessing Homophobia & Heterosexism In The School

Making Changes - Policy Statements

Implementing Educational Programs

Library

Bibliographies For School Libraries

A Recommended Collection Of Books For Libraries

Support Services

Curriculum

English Class Materials

History Class Materials

Human Sexuality/Family Life/Human Development Classes

Biology/Psychology Classes

Extra-Curricular Activities

Role Models

Two Independent School Models

Resources For Schools - A Short List

References

Appendix: Adolescent Development Issues & Sexual Minority Youth: An Interview